Chapter 15
Although Lincoln didn't have Baxter as his last name, he was more like family than anyone else. His status was only second to Archie in the entire Baxter family. Archie trusted him deeply.
Especially since he was a powerful figure in the underworld, even the direct descendants of the Baxter family treated him with the utmost respect.
Upon seeing how anxious Archie was, Lincoln nodded solemnly and said, "You're right. Some things can't wait. Now that Mr. Baxter Senior's condition has worsened, Dr. Greene needs to know about this. Mr. Baxter, I think you'll have to make this call yourself."
When Archie heard that, he immediately pulled out his phone. However, he hesitated when he saw the time displayed on his phone. It was early in the morning.
"Lincoln, would it be inappropriate to call Dr. Greene at this hour? People like him often have peculiar tempers. If we offend him and he refuses to help, it would be a complete disaster."
Charles was currently in the hospital for emergency treatment. At least, he was still alive. So, there was a slim chance he might make it until Nolan arrived. But if Nolan were angered and refused to come, all hope would be lost.
Archie was truly torn at this moment. His concern was clouding his judgment.
Upon hearing that, Lincoln gritted his teeth and said, "Dr. Greene won't be upset. Since he agreed to come, that's a promise. Besides, a doctor must understand that a patient's condition can change at any moment. So, he should be prepared for that.
"Mr. Baxter, make the call. If Dr. Greene is displeased, we'll do everything we can to apologize. Right now, nothing is more important than Mr. Baxter Senior's life."
At that, Archie nodded and said through gritted teeth, "As long as Dr. Greene can save my father's life, I'll risk my own life if need be."
Then, Archie gave Nolan a call. After only a few seconds, the anxiety on Archie's face turned to joy.
After the call ended, Archie looked at Lincoln with delight and said, "Dr. Greene is truly a good man! As soon as he heard that my father's condition had worsened and that the latter was rushed to the hospital, he asked for the address and said he would come over now without hesitation.
"He's such a good man. I thought he would be upset if I disturbed him at this late hour, but he kept his promise. This is really great."
Upon seeing how happy Archie was, Lincoln let out a sigh of relief. He nodded gently and said, "Mr. Baxter, we must treat Dr. Greene with the utmost respect.
"Regardless of whether he saved Sir Carter in the past or had any other history, just the fact that he can save Mr. Baxter Senior and is trustworthy means we need to treat him well."
When Archie heard that, he nodded firmly as there was a sharp glint in his eyes. "That's right. From now on, Dr. Greene's business is my business. Whatever he asks, I'll do it. Even if it costs my life."
…
In less than half an hour, Nolan arrived at the hospital. Saving lives was of utmost importance. Once he made a promise, he would always keep his word. Besides, he felt that it was time to get in touch with the Baxter family.
When he arrived at the entrance of the VIP ward, he saw Archie and Lincoln pacing anxiously outside the ward. He walked up to them and said, "You must be Mr. Baxter."
Upon hearing that, Archie glanced at Nolan and was stunned. From the call, he knew Nolan was young, but he didn't expect the latter to be this young. Nolan was only in his 20s. Could he really be a miracle doctor?
"You are?"
Nolan smiled and said, "You gave me a call, yet you're asking me who I am? Where's Mr. Baxter Senior? Let me have a look."
At that, Archie opened his mouth in surprise. "Are you Dr. Greene? I'm sorry. I didn't expect you to be so young. Please follow me inside."
Even though Archie had some doubts due to how young Nolan was, he knew that anyone acknowledged by Amos had to be reliable. At the very least, he should have Nolan examine Charles first. He wasn't foolish enough to reject treatment just because of how young a doctor was.
After entering the ward, Nolan looked at the old man, who was lying on the bed and unconscious. He approached the latter and began checking his pulse.
Cautiously, Archie said, "Dr. Greene, all the test results and medical records have been prepared. You can review them anytime you need."
Nolan didn't answer as he was focused on checking the pulse. A while later, he finally turned to Archie and said, "Mr. Baxter Senior suffered greatly in his younger years, which left him physically depleted.
"Now, in his old age, his body is too weak and can't handle strong treatments. To put it bluntly, he's in the final stage of life. I'm sure the other doctors have told you the same thing."
Upon hearing that, Archie nodded. With a voice heavy with sorrow, he answered, "You're right. The other doctors said the same thing. Aside from emergency measures to keep him alive, there's little hope.
"But Dr. Greene, I know you have great capabilities. Please, save my father. He never enjoyed a day of his life before. He has only suffered for all of his life. Just when I finally have the means to care for him, his health fails him. Please, I beg you to help him."
Nolan sighed and looked at Charles, who was lying on the bed. He shook his head and said, "Saving him now wouldn't be exactly bringing him back from the dead, but it would be close. My medical skills are decent, but this goes against the natural order. It isn't something I should do.
"Mr. Baxter, it isn't that I don't want to help, but your father's time is near. What I can do now is extend his life by a few days and bring him back to consciousness. Beyond that, I'm afraid I can't help."
When Archie heard that, he broke down. However, the fact that Nolan said the treatment was something he shouldn't do and difficult to do meant there was still hope.
Archie quickly grasped Nolan's hands and choked up, "Mr. Greene, I beg you. I know you can save him. As long as you can save my father, I'll do whatever you ask. So, please save my father. I beg you."
With that, he was about to get on his knees in desperation.
Upon seeing that, Nolan frowned.
And at this moment, Lincoln spoke up, "Dr. Greene, may I speak to you in private? After you save Mr. Baxter Senior, no matter what happens, we won't blame you for the outcome."
After leading Nolan out of the ward, Lincoln sighed and said, "Dr. Greene, if there's any way you can help, please do. You see how devastated Mr. Baxter is.
"But did you know? Mr. Baxter isn't actually Mr. Baxter Senior's biological son. Mr. Baxter Senior spent his life helping others and adopted many children. He never got married."
Lincoln then recounted Charles' many acts of kindness, which deeply moved Nolan. Charles was such a kind person who spent his life doing good. Yet, he never truly enjoyed his life before. It was indeed heartbreaking.
Nolan sighed and said, "You must be Mr. Riley. You don't need to say anything else. I understand what you're trying to say. I'll save him! For a kind-hearted man like Mr. Baxter Senior, I'll go against the natural order just this once!"
As he spoke, he was about to re-enter the ward when he noticed Audrey's family rushing into the ward next to Charles'. They were calling out Audrey's name.
At that moment, he frowned as a sense of unease rose within him.